Student Planner Timeline

Create an account on GAcollege411.org if you have not already done so. Having an account allows you to save important information about your courses, grades, extracurricular activities, career explorations, and college research.

Meet with your high school counselor. Invite your counselor to view your online My 411 account.

Plan the courses you will be taking carefully. Be sure to sign up for high school courses that will prepare you academically for college. The High School Planner module can help you plan and track your progress in high school against the requirements for the colleges you are interested in attending. You and your parents should be thinking about what classes you will take in high school. By deciding which curriculum to follow, you are making important decisions about your future. There are basically two curricula that are available:

• College Prep Curriculum — Professions such as medicine, law, and education — and nearly a quarter of available jobs — require a four-year college degree (bachelor's degree) or more. If you plan to go to college to get a bachelor's degree, you should pursue the college prep curriculum in high school. You will have to take a certain number of English, math, science, social science, and foreign language courses. Earning a college prep diploma does not guarantee admission to a college. It is just one step in a multi-step process.

• Technology/Career Prep Curriculum — Career fields such as automotive mechanics, carpentry, computer technology, business office technology, practical nursing, surgical technology and more require up to two years of education beyond high school. The technology/career prep curriculum includes a certain number of English, math, science, and social science courses in addition to a concentration of units in a specific technology/career area. Foreign language is usually not a requirement for this curriculum. Rather than attending a four-year institution immediately upon graduation, students who complete this curriculum are eligible to attend technical colleges and some two-year colleges. The majority of jobs not requiring a bachelor's degree still require some education beyond high school.

Ask your counselor about pursuing the dual diploma, which combines both curricula.

As you start thinking about the schools you may want to attend, use the GA Colleges module to help search for schools. The Campus Tours section will help you find information about schools of interest and begin populating your "My 411" portfolio with school selections.

Check out the Career Info module to begin researching occupations that may be of interest to you.

Talk to your counselor about tech prep classes, dual enrollment, AP courses, and other honors-level classes.

Ask your counselor about taking the PSAT in October. View the test prep programs to learn about the SAT, ACT, and other college entrance exams. Develop a study plan to use throughout high school so you are well prepared to take the tests you'll need for college admissions.

Continue family discussions about savings plans and paying for college. "Financial Aid 411" gives you all the basics you need on scholarships, loans, and grants.

Research scholarship opportunities. Knowing the requirements for scholarships can help you set goals for yourself throughout high school.